Maureen O'Hara Foundation disputes allegations; opens its books

The Maureen O’Hara Foundation has opened its books to discredit allegations that it has misappropriated funds, reports the Irish Examiner.

The foundation, based in Glengarriff, Co Cork, has said that all costs have been accounted for and that its only focus has been the development of a €12.5m legacy center for 'The Quiet Man' star, who celebrates her 92nd birthday on Aug 17.

"We take this opportunity to refute all suggestions of impropriety by the foundation. Suggestions and innuendo of financial appropriation and misappropriation is without merit and have hurt the foundation, its representatives and Ms O’Hara herself," stated the foundation.

According to the Irish Examiner, CEO Frank McCarthy said the foundation has not been operating since a family dispute surrounding the actress' estate and her power of attorney cast doubt over its future, but he hopes that the foundation will be able to win back Ms O’Hara's support and deliver the legacy center.

A statement was issued in July on Ms O’Hara’s behalf saying: "I am profoundly disappointed at how my original dream has been so distorted."